Catholics give less money to Church than any other religion…. February 2, 2012
Posted by Tantumblogo in Dallas Diocese, General Catholic, Interior Life, North Deanery, sadness, Virtue.comments closed
….at least among Christians. 0.7%? Are you kidding? That’s $6.75 a week for a family making $50k a year, and who assists at Mass every week. The critical data is the bar graph at the bottom.
No wonder Catholics are so eager to embrace government mandated “charity?”
Am I going to lose readers for posting this? No doubt, much of the very low donation ratio is due to many Catholics assisting at Mass so rarely.
I understand that not everyone can give a full 10% of gross, although I think perhaps we should try a bit harder. But I do believe that there are too many Catholics who are still putting the same $X bill in the basket every week they did 20 years ago. Yes, this is intensely personal, and may make folks mad, but my family and I do give to the point that it hurts, somewhat. We’ve also been blessed to have a certain amount of excess income, which not everyone has, but I can say that we give beyond that. We are denying ourselves and our kids quite a bit in our support of the Church. We do it for love, because God has given us everything we have, and we owe Him something of what He has given us back, for His Church. But this is not anything wonderful we’ve done. Even this desire to give, is Grace.
I also get that many folks may go to a parish where they don’t feel comfortable handing over large sums of money to dubious purposes. Then MOVE! That was a large part of the reason we switched where we assist at Sunday Mass – we can’t give money to a parish that supports an Alinsky-ite group, or that brings in heterodox speakers, or teaches heterodox beliefs in formational programs, or that has clergy that undermines Church Doctrine or abuses the Mass. Sorry to be so harsh, but that’s simply the case. That’s why many folks made large donations to San Juan Bautista in El Paso – they felt their money would be “safe,” and would go to a holy purpose they agreed with. They did not agree with many things occurring in the El Paso Diocese, many heterodox things. And now Fr. Rodriguez is being sued because of disputes over some of this money. If you want to effect change in a parish or diocese, stop giving money on a broad scale, with a little note stating why, and things will change, and rapidly. But make sure you continue to support the Church as a whole, through some orthodox religious order or somesuch, in lieu of giving to a certain parish or diocese.
Getting ready to watch my follower count drop! Sorry!
Pelosi – I stand with my fellow Catholics in embracing the Obama HHS mandate! February 2, 2012
Posted by Tantumblogo in Abortion, disaster, episcopate, error, sadness, scandals, sickness, Society, unadulterated evil.comments closed
Speaking of not getting it. She stands with the 3 or 4 hundred fellow far left Catholycs who long ago put their allegiance to abortion and the contraceptive mentality ahead of their faith:
In case you can’t hear the bad audio, Pelosi said this, regarding the HHS mandate:
I’m going to stand with my fellow Catholics in supporting the administration on this. I think it was a very courageous decision that they made and I support it.
I asked if Archbishop Naumman would now, finally, excommunicate Kathleen Sebelius? Well, how about Archbishop Niederauer and Pelosi?
h/t CMR
No more pink ribbons? Liberals preparing to dump Komen? February 2, 2012
Posted by Tantumblogo in Abortion, awesomeness, Basics, Dallas Diocese, General Catholic, scandals, silliness, Society.comments closed
I’ve said it many times before, there is no more sacrosanct belief to the hard core of democrat party support in this country than the belief in abortion on demand. It’s positively demonic. So, now that Komen has dropped Planned Barrenhood, democrats are moving to drop Komen. There has been an odd confluence of support among pro-aborts for the breast-cancer awareness organization, Komen. Both have had the approval for years of elite, radical feminst opinion. Both get far more attention than their relatively small size would merit. And now Komen’s had to go an ruin it all!
Forced to make a choice, it now appears that many democrats love them some Planned Barrenhood more than they do breast cancer awareness and screening:
Various Democrats like Rep. Jackie Speier (D-CA) are boycotting Susan G. Komen over this decision. Howard Dean is encouraging corporate sponsors to punish Komen. Welcome to the real face of the pro-abortion movement: bullying liars. They immediately and viciouslythrow Komen under the bus simply for ceasing to give them money (and their seal of approval).
One of the main lies being pushed by pro-aborts is the claim that women will go without care now. Nonsense. Planned Parenthood never provided the services that Komen contracted through them in the first place. The founder of Komen, Nancy G. Brinker explains in a moving video released today (please click on the link and LIKE the video!) that no woman will experience a gap in Komen’s services.
I’m certain this violent reaction has two sources – genuine outrage by pro-aborts that their most sacrosanct belief has been rejected by one of their pet charities, and also as a warning to other charities not to cut off PP’s funding. It’s terrible how many charities, charities that should have nothing to do with abortion, give them money.
I have to wonder if there isn’t some behind the scenes knowledge about Komen flipping on the abortion-breast cancer link? If they did, if Komen started touting that abortion can lead to breast cancer, that would have tremendous impact, and I could see why pro-aborts would flip about that.
Planned Parenthood claims the Komen funding provided for “breast cancer screening.” But the fondling type examinations Planned Parenthood conducted (they don’t do mammograms, and never did, despite many false assertions fo the contrary – the best they could do was make a referral) can be done by many women at home, and typically don’t detect cancers until they are in a rather dangerous state. Most lives are saved by mammograms.
There are still many reasons to be opposed to Komen. They still embrace contraception. They say they are going to stop supporting embryonic stem cell research, but that hasn’t been confirmed. And they may yet cave to this reaction.
Still, I feel compelled to defend them to a certain extent, which is rather a strange position to be in!
It may be beneficial to send an e-mail to news@komen.org that simply says “Thanks for cutting funding to Planned Parenthood!”
Tone Deaf – USCCB still doesn’t get it February 2, 2012
Posted by Tantumblogo in asshatery, Basics, Dallas Diocese, episcopate, foolishness, General Catholic, sadness, silliness.comments closed
Perhaps it won’t ever get it. Or, as commenter Terry C. said, the bishops are democrats who happen to be pro-life.
This kind of idiocy has got to stop:
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is asking Catholics to “fast” on Friday, February 3, by limiting their food spending to the allotment on the USDA Modified Thrifty Food Plan–about $18 for a family of four. [Fasting is great. I highly recommend it. But wait, there’s more!]
The theme of the February First Fridays for Food Security initiative is food insecurity and climate change. “Food insecurity is also a serious problem globally and is often intensified by climate change,” states a USCCB flyer. “According to a recent report by the Food and Agriculture Organization, climate change will significantly affect the availability of water for growing food and for crop production globally. This will disproportionately affect poor people in rural areas whose livelihoods are closely connected to agriculture and natural resources.”
A sampling of the comments, all of which show a very appropriate, complete lack of respect for this foolish pronouncement:
With [one] stroke the USCCB has vitiated their opposition to the violence being done to the consciences of Catholics by the present administration. How is it possible to take these people seriously?………..
I thought a Friday fast was supposed to be accompanied by prayerful reflection on our Lord’s Passion. Foolish me – I should have been consulting Agricultural Department reports for material for reflection……
Um, yeah, because we don’t have anything much more important that needs real fasting and prayer……
Bishops of the United States, if you want people to listen to you, if you want respect, if you crave influence over souls and even in politics, then stop with these idiotic pronouncements from various arms of your unnecessary and even counterproductive Conference. Of all the things to fast for……..”climate change,” which is being more and more opposed by scientists, more and more debunked. It’s not just tone deaf. It’s indicative of severely misplaced priorities and an outlook which is far, far too wordly, far too concerned about being politically “relevant” (and always, always in a certain political direction).
I’m willing to bet there will be hundreds of thousands, possibly millions of souls fasting on Fridays during February, but there won’t be 5,000 fasting for this intention.
What a joke.
Tonight is Candlemas! February 2, 2012
Posted by Tantumblogo in asshatery, Basics, Dallas Diocese, fun, General Catholic, Interior Life, Latin Mass, Liturgy, North Deanery, Our Lady, Tradition, Virtue.comments closed
I pray you are able to assist at Mass at a parish that celebrates Candlemas! Of course, it’s also the Feast of the Purification of Mary!
You can get your candles blessed at Mass tonight, if you go!
Candlemas two years ago, at St. Mary Magdalene in Brighton:
The Coming Persecution February 2, 2012
Posted by Tantumblogo in Basics, Dallas Diocese, disaster, episcopate, foolishness, General Catholic, North Deanery, persecution, scandals, sickness, Society.comments closed
I’ve argued precisely the below many times here on this blog. This is the issue that will precipitate, for the most part, the whatever chastisement and persecution is on its way:
And, again, the complete failure of the leadership of the Church in this country to take on the issue of contraceptive use by the large majority of the “faithful,” has precipitated the present crisis wherin the Church is now being persecuted by the Obama administration on precisely this issue. Even here, most bishops refuse to address the evil of contraception directly (possibly because they fear undermining their “power base” in the midst of this crisis), but instead argue against Obama’s move by appealing to constitutional principles.
God will not be mocked. The leadership of the Church has tolerated, and even in some cases promoted, homosexuality within the ranks of the clergy. There will be a recompense coming, a society-wide one, which will gravely afflict the Church as a result. The bishops may win on this contraception issue today (by getting this mandate overturned, in the courts), but will they win on the right to preach the Truth regarding homosexuality 10, 20 years from now? Or will they quietly tell the priests not to touch such a “controversial” topic, handing victory to the forces of darkness?
The present crisis in the Church is a crisis primarily of leadership, or lack therof. It is incredibly troubling.
All Night Vigil with the Carmelites PLUS! February 2, 2012
Posted by Tantumblogo in awesomeness, Basics, Dallas Diocese, fun, General Catholic, Glory, Interior Life, Latin Mass, North Deanery, religious, Tradition, Virtue.comments closed
You get a bonus tomorrow night at the Carmelite Chapel – the blessing of the throats associated with the Feast day of St. Blase! Come join newly clothed Sr. Veronica of the Holy Face, Mother Mary Regina and all the Carmelite Sisters!
PRAY TO END ABORTION &
ALL SANCTITY OF LIFE ISSUES
Pray for Our COUNTRY and its future
Discalced Carmelite Nuns Invite YOU!!
Starts Friday night come as early as 4 PM
stay 30 minutes, one hour or as long as all night Vigil ends just before 7 AM Mass on Saturday, Feb. 4
First Mass (TLM!) at 8:00 PM
(light, vegetarian) Food & Drink available in the room next to the chapel.
Please help yourself!
2nd Mass (also TLM!) 3:00 AM – So many Graces will redound to your soul if you assist at this Mass!
Leave your personal prayer requests
The Nuns will storm heaven!
The Monastery is at 600 Flowers Ave., Dallas, 75211, off of Jefferson.
convenient from I-30 and Loop 12.
From downtown: take I-30 going west, exit LOOP 12 south, take the second exit, which is JEFFERSON EAST.
Go through the stop light and straight drive past 7 or 8 blocks, you will see tire & auto repair shops, then a small church (drive past) shortly after that, TURN RIGHT ON FLOWERS Street. Address is 600 S.
Flowers. Go through the Monastery gates. park anywhere.
For more information, please see attached flyer—————->AllnightcarmelitesFeb_March 2012
Start Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes today! February 2, 2012
Posted by Tantumblogo in awesomeness, Basics, Dallas Diocese, General Catholic, Glory, Interior Life, North Deanery, Our Lady, Tradition, Virtue.comments closed
Short Novena: (http://www.ewtn.com/Devotionals/novena/OL_lourdes_short.htm)
Our Lady of Lourdes
Novena Dates February 2-10, Feast Day February 11 O ever Immaculate Virgin, Mother of Mercy, Health of the Sick, Refuge of Sinners, Comfort to the Afflicted, you know my wants, my troubles, my sufferings. Deign to cast upon me a look of mercy. By appearing in the Grotto of Lourdes, you were pleased to make it a privileged sanctuary, whence you dispense your favors; and already many sufferers have obtained the cure of their infirmities, both spiritual and corporal.
I come, therefore, with the most unbounded confidence to implore your maternal intercession. Obtain, O loving Mother, the granting of my requests.
(mention your intentions here)
Through gratitude for favors, I will endeavor to imitate your virtues that I may one day share your glory.
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us. Amen.
(Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.)
longer version: _http://www.ewtn.com/Devotionals/novena/lourdes.htm_
(http://www.ewtn.com/Devotionals/novena/lourdes.htm)
You can see the Grotto at Lourdes anytime on this awesome webcam!
Catholic faithful of El Paso sue former Bishop Ochoa February 2, 2012
Posted by Tantumblogo in Basics, disaster, episcopate, error, General Catholic, persecution, priests, sadness, scandals, sickness.comments closed
I’m out a couple of days sick, and all kinds of things break! The following is the text of a press release announcing the lawsuit:
After much thought and prayerful consideration, we have decided to take this extraordinary measure in order to ensure that truth and justice prevail within our beloved Church. We love our Catholic Faith and we maintain the utmost respect for the office of Bishop. However, we now face a real crisis situation and must step forward in order to witness to the truth. We and many other lay faithful donated money for a specific building project at San Juan Bautista Catholic Church under the supervision of the parish administrator, whom we respect and trust. We did not donate our money in order for it to be seized by the diocese or San Juan Bautista Parish and used for other purposes. Over six weeks ago we sent the Administrator of the Diocese, Bishop Ochoa, a letter asking him to resolve this situation in private and in a spirit of Christian charity. We simply asked that our money be used for the specific intention for which it had been donated or that it be returned to the rightful owners. He never even had the courtesy to give us a return telephone call. As lay Catholics, we have a certain responsibility to protect the spiritual and material patrimony of our Church, and this is also why we have taken this extraordinary measure. Canon 428 of the Code of Canon Law states very clearly that “those who temporarily govern the diocese are prohibited from doing anything which could in any way be prejudicial to the diocese.” By creating this unnecessary public scandal, Bishop Armando Ochoa is harming our diocese. We shall continue to pray for Bishop Ochoa and all our priests. O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.
There’s a rather odd article on the subject here.
There are alot of truly surprising, bizaare things going on in this persecution of Fr. Rodriguez. I’ve never heard of a bishop, much less a former bishop, personally suing a priest, and that priest’s family members. If the funds in question are diocesan, ostensibly, then why isn’t the suit being made by the diocese? And now that Ochoa is gone, why would he be party to a suit for a parish and diocese he no longer has any authority over? Unless this suit isn’t so much about the money, as it is about personal antipathy towards Fr. Rodriguez?
Here is the text of Fr. Rodriguez’ recent address to the El Paso City Council (01/31/12):
In the middle of our dark, secular, godless society, there is a light. This light is the Holy Roman Catholic Church. Jesus Christ and His Church teach the truth about homosexuality, and we can summarize this truth in three points:
(1) Homosexual acts are acts of grave depravity; they are mortal sins which cry to heaven for vengeance. Under no circumstances can they be approved.
(2) Homosexuality is an objective disorder.
(3) Homosexual persons are to be treated with respect, compassion, and sensitivity.
In the debate over homosexuality, the dark side seeks to frame the issue as one of discrimination and civil rights. This makes no logical sense. No one has a civil right to do something morally wrong. I don’t have a right to steal. I don’t have a right to lie. I don’t have a right to commit adultery, and I don’t have a right to engage in homosexual acts. As for discrimination, discrimination exists when one is against a person not when one is against actions on the part of a person. The Roman Catholic Church condemns actions of a homosexual nature. She does not discriminate against homosexual persons.
Thus, before anyone speaks about discrimination and/or civil rights, the following questions must be answered:
(1) Do you believe in right and wrong?
(2) How do you determine what is right and what is wrong?
(3) Does society have an obligation to establish law and order in accordance with its best effort to determine right and wrong?
Thus, before anyone speaks about discrimination and/or civil rights, the following question must be answered:
(1) Are homosexual acts right or wrong?
If a Catholic does not believe and hold fast to the truth that homosexual acts are wrong, one is no longer Catholic. Such a “Catholic” must refrain from receiving our Blessed Lord in Holy Communion, because one is no longer in communion with the moral truths taught by Jesus Christ and His Church.
In conclusion, no one on the face of this earth has a greater love for homosexuals that the glorious Roman Catholic Church. But it is never loving to lie. If you lie to homosexuals and tell them that “homosexual acts are o.k,” then you are the one who is showing disdain for homosexuals, because you don’t care about their true good, happiness, and salvation.
A Blog for Dallas Area Catholics 